Amy Farrell

Amy Farrell is a Professor and Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University's College of Social Sciences and Humanities. She also co-directs the Violence and Justice Research Lab. Her research focuses on human trafficking, criminal justice system responses, and policy analysis, with a particular emphasis on labor trafficking, victim advocacy, and marginalized communities. Farrell holds a PhD in Law, Policy, and Society from Northeastern University (2001).

Her work includes examining how law enforcement identifies and prosecutes trafficking cases, studying public perceptions of human trafficking, and analyzing systemic biases affecting Latinx populations. She serves on state-level task forces, including the Massachusetts Governor's Working Group on Human Trafficking. Farrell's interdisciplinary approach integrates criminology, public health, and sociology to address gaps in legal frameworks and healthcare access for trafficking survivors.

Key areas of focus include the intersection of bias victimization and mental health, the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and the role of the private sector in combating trafficking. Her research has informed federal and state policies, and she has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.

Farrell's grants and collaborations span academic and governmental institutions, emphasizing transdisciplinary solutions. She teaches courses such as 'Human Trafficking,' blending theoretical analysis with real-world case studies. Her work highlights systemic inequities and advocates for trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches to justice and healthcare.